Torn Between Love and Hate

208

Chapter 208 As You Wish

To put it briefly, Joseph spoke up and explained.

Originally, I didn’t have solid evidence for the things Chandler was involved in. However, he couldn’t

keep his cool and stole the company’s confidential documents and funds to make a deal with Ashton.

Ashton refused, so Chandler took the initiative to record a message himself, admitting that he had

stolen the confidential files. He said that if the matter were exposed, it would have nothing to do with

Ashton, and the same goes for the misappropriation of funds.

Deborah barely understood, “So Ashton gave you those recordings?”

Joseph responded, “That’s pretty much it. The recording was made voluntarily by Chandler, so it wasn’t

obtained secretly, and therefore it can be used as court evidence.”

It turns out that he confessed to all his crimes. With the evidence I had collected earlier, the lawyer

estimates that his

sentence will be at least seven years.

Although it’s not a life sentence, after serving seven years in prison, by the time Chandler gets out, he

won’t have the ability to do much anymore.

Gerald felt a bit reluctant, but Robert had always been a strict person. Chandler had aimed his

schemes at the Black Group, and Robert couldn’t tolerate it.

Robert spoke up, saying that no one was allowed to plead on Chandler’s behalf. He believed that one

should face the consequences of their own actions.

Gerald had no choice but to accept the situation and didn’t say anything more.

Chandler’s situation had more or less come to a conclusion, and Joseph’s tone had become much

more relaxed.

After discussing everything that had happened, he sighed and remarked, “But, speaking of which,

Ashton has indeed changed quite a bit now.

One thing at a time. His past behavior was indeed infuriating, but the changes he’s made now are truly

evident for all

to see.”

At least if it were the old Ashton, when faced with Joseph, a competitor in both business and personal

life, all he could probably think of was how to put Joseph in a life-threatening situation.

In this way, grasping Chandler’s weakness and helping Joseph clear obstacles is something that could

never be done.

Deborah looked out the floor-to-ceiling window at the pure white snow blanketing the ground.

The tenth day of New Year has arrived, and the cold winter will soon be over. Spring is just around the

corner.

Hearing that name from Joseph’s mouth again, it seemed as if there were no more ripples in her heart.

She didn’t believe it before, but now she’s convinced that a person’s heart can die.

Emotions were probably much like life itself; when disappointment accumulates and passion were

exhausted, once they were gone, it was impossible for them to resurrect.

The future was full of bright prospects, and she wouldn’t look back. She no longer cared about the

ashes of the past, whether they have reignited a faint glimmer or not.

After a heavy snowfall, the sky outside appeared exceptionally bright and clear.

Deborah couldn’t help but let her thoughts wander. After a moment, she said softly, “Perhaps, but

whether he

changes or not, it no longer has anything to do with me.”

Joseph smiled. “Of course, you have me now.”

Deborah laughed softly, and as she laughed, her mind was filled with memories of those scenes from

years ago.

That Deborah, kneeling outside Flora Villa, that Deborah, crying and begging Ashton to believe her.

Deborah shivered from the cold, persisting with the last bit of her strength, as she continued to explain

painstakingly.

“Ashton, believe me, Alyssa really is our daughter.”

“Ashton, I never hurt Helen, I really didn’t.”

“Please save Alyssa, and look at me, we are husband and wife.”

And then, the man kicked her in the chest, sending her sprawling into the thick snow.

He said, “Deborah, you can forget about that idea.”

He also said, “I dream of the day when both you and that illegitimate child die.”

As you wished, Ashton, the past Deborah and Alyssa are both dead.

It took Deborah a long time to gather her thoughts, and she suddenly remembered those events from

many years ago. Even now, they seemed like a mere illusion.

It was like a ridiculous, absurd dream that she had created herself. NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

The lost womb within her body, along with the occasional discomfort she experiences now.

Without menstruation, one must be cautious about what they eat and drink. Avoiding stimulation and

consuming non-irritating foods is essential.

All of this served as a clear reminder to her that every bit of misery and torment she had experienced

was real, not a single thing or detail was false.

Her heart began to ache, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Deborah tried to sound calm and casual, jokingly saying, “So where are you now? You’ve overcome

such a troublesome obstacle, shouldn’t we go out and celebrate together?”

Joseph was in the CEO’s office on the top floor of the Black Group building, busily handling a large pile

of paperwork.

Previously, Chandler had been serving as the interim CEO of the Black Group, and he had not yet

handed the reins of

power back to Joseph

Although Gerald had mentioned it several times, Chandler always found excuses to delay, reluctant to

hand over the real power,

Now, Chandler has entered the police station, which was quite an unexpected turn of events.

The Black Group also fell into a brief chaos, with some high-ranking members wanting to take

advantage of the confusion to fish in troubled waters and gain benefits within the company.

So, both Joseph and Gerald came over, busily handling matters, which made the company’s top

management dare not act rashly.

These two days would be the busiest time. Joseph sat at his desk, reviewing documents, while Gerald

stood not far away, making phone calls.

Joseph simply wanted to inform Deborah and share the good news with her, so she could feel more at

ease.

Now Deborah invited him out for a celebratory meal, and he couldn’t find the words to refuse.

Moreover, he could tell that something was off with Deborah’s tone, as if she was in a bad mood.

Morton saw Joseph holding his phone without speaking and handed him another document. “Mr. Black,

I’ve looked over this one, and it should be fine. Please confirm it yourself.”

After hesitating for a moment, Joseph responded to Deborah, “Alright, I don’t have anything going on

right now, so I’ll come pick you up and we can go out for dinner.”

Morton was swamped with work, and there was a mountain of tasks waiting to be dealt with at the

company. Even if there were ten Josephs, it would still be difficult to handle everything.

Upon hearing that Joseph was going to pick someone up for dinner, Morton couldn’t help but remind

him, “Mr. Black, I’m afraid the time might be…”

Joseph glanced at him, signaling him not to speak.

Morton had a headache and, despite having a lot to say, he had no choice but to keep quiet for now.

After finishing his phone call, Gerald walked over to discuss something with Joseph.

Just then, Gerald overheard Joseph on the phone and asked him, “Was that Deborah calling you to join

her for dinner?”

Joseph knew that the company was busy at the moment, and Gerald most likely wouldn’t let him leave.

He simply responded, “Mhm.”

Gerald replied, “Go ahead then. You hardly slept last night, so it’s good to take a break. Can you make

it back for the group meeting at 2:30 in the afternoon?”

Joseph glanced at his wristwatch, noting that it was exactly 11 o’clock in the morning.

Driving to Deborah’s place from here takes just 20 minutes.

There’s still enough time for a meal, he nodded, “I can make it back in time.”

Morton had assumed that Gerald would definitely object to Joseph going out. Now, hearing this, he was

left a bit

dumbfounded.

Doesn’t this also show that Gerald is able to accept Deborah?

Upon thinking about it, no matter how busy the company is, it does indeed seem like Joseph’s lifelong

major event is

more important.

Just think, it’s been so many days since Joseph has gone out on a date with Deborah, all because of

Chandler’s

situation.

Gerald nodded. “Alright, go ahead now. Let the driver drive, you must be tired too. You can get some

rest in the car.”

Joseph promptly replied, “Alright,” as he grabbed his coat and headed outside.

As Gerald was about to leave the office, he suddenly said, “When you have time, bring Deborah to

Black Manor for dinner. The fifteenth day of New Year would be perfect, as it’s a great time for a family

reunion meal.”